News, Developments and Information

Update of Evraz attack on Camrose workers and retirees

From the Canadian Auto Workers in Camrose Alberta

Our dispute with Evraz rages on with no movement to speak of. My boss, Jerry Dias flew to Chicago today to have a one on one with Dario Cruz, while they were able to have some frank discussions the company has not committed to anything other than to get back to us on Tuesday. Jerry has made it clear that they need to look at a compromise that both of us can live with and made some suggestions that they are going to consider. The company told Jerry that they fully believe the membership will accept the mediator’s recommendations once they force a secret ballot vote. Our members voted 83 to 5 two days ago to continue to reject any concessions and a sub par monetary offer. The company has also said that they have moved a million feet of pipe to another plant from ours where it was slated to be made (we have no idea which plant). Our members are strong and are prepared for a long battle if necessary. We need to step up collectively and send a message to the company. We have been in contact with our brothers and sisters in Evraz locations in both the US and Canada and have their full backing and support.  We will keep you updated as things progress.

In solidarity,

Todd Romanow | National Representative, Canadian Auto Workers

Deadlocked

CAW unionized employees of Evraz Camrose Works, a pipe manufacturing plant, picketed May 5 after contract negotiations broke down only two days earlier.

By Mark Crown/ Camrose Canadian

More than 100 Camrose pipe workers are playing the waiting game as recent contract negotiations broke down last week.

At 9 a.m. May 5 Evraz Camrose Works locked out 105 Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) unionized employees at the Camrose facility.

Negotiations broke off May 3 after the two sides could not come to any form of settlement to ratify a new agreement.

Larry Luckwell, president of local 551 for CAW, said the two sides differed on issues of wage increases for current workers and concessions of pension and retiree benefits for future workers.

“Evraz is seeking to extract concessions from our contract and is refusing to provide a fair and reasonable monetary settlement,” he said. “Evraz is also seeking to remove our defined benefit pension plan and retiree benefits for future employees.”

Continue reading Deadlocked

Why is Brad Wall attacking Unions and what does it mean to everyone who works in Saskatchwan

A letter to the editor to the Estevan Mercury newspaper from Alan Murray regarding the upcoming review of Saskatchewan Labour laws

My wife and I sat in the car outside our polling station this last provincial election and discussed how each of us would cast our vote. Not being very involved in politics, but strongly believing in the importance of exercising her right to vote, she wanted to know why I was choosing to vote for the NDP, when her choice was otherwise. This is what I told her:

I really feel there is no good choice. I am voting for the NDP because I feel they are the better of the two evils. I don’t like the NDP’s platform, spending like wild men, similar to the old Conservative ways of the past Grant Devine era, but I feel better about that than the Saskatchewan Party option.

I explained how I like many of the things Brad Wall is putting out front in his campaign, but it is the hidden issues I believe are coming and he is not telling us about them. What I like is the responsible spending of our money, commitment to health care and even the essential service legislation, it just needs a dispute mechanism, as the courts have ruled, and it is good to go. What I am afraid of, is Brad’s personal attack on unions and how this is going to affect the Saskatchewan labour laws.

Continue reading Why is Brad Wall attacking Unions and what does it mean to everyone who works in Saskatchwan

Lock out at Evraz Camrose Update

A message from the Canadian Auto Workers regarding the attack from Evraz on workers and retiree’s.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

At 9:00 am this morning Evraz in Camrose Alberta locked out our CAW members because they wouldn’t sell out new hires or take an inferior wage settlement. At the heart of this attack is the removal of our defined benefits pension plan and retiree benefits for future employees, but make no mistake the fight is bigger than that as it is an attack from a multinational conglomerate on working people and the middle class. All in the name of corporate greed and insatiable profits.

The attack comes to you next from your employer so we need to stay strong and support the Camrose Local 551 workers. Please drop by or send your support, further info will follow over the next few days.

Thanks,

Todd Romanow | National Representative

Canadian Auto Workers

Lock out at Evraz Camrose

The following is a message sent today from Todd Romanow, a representative of the Canadian Auto Workers regarding the attack on workers and retirees in Camrose.

The company gave us their final offer tonight which still includes new hires losing the DB (Defined Benefit Pension)plan and retiree benefits. The deal monetarily is substantially lower than the deal they did in September with the Steelworkers in Regina and Calgary. We gave them an offer of settlement with still some room to move before the deadline on Saturday but it looks like they will not counter or even meet with us and are intent to force a lockout to get the two big concessions. We will keep trying tomorrow but other than giving them what they want I don’t see us avoiding a dispute here that could last awhile. They have given our people paid leaves from now until the deadline so as to empty the plant as of tonight.

Concessions demanded by Evraz from Camrose plant

The following are the concessions demanded and the attack on retirees in Camrose Alberta

  1. Removal of the Defined Benefit pension plan for new hires and institute a Defined Contribution (5%) plan
  2. Removal of the retiree benefits for those who cant retire before 2020 (this  pension plan is 1/3 less than 5890/6673’s  due to having these benefits)
  3. Removal of the  double time clauses and making it a requirement to work 40 straight time hours per week before overtime is applied
  4. Removal of the vacation bonus system
  5. No roll in of the  COLA clause to base wages

As well Evraz is proposing no base wage increases over the next three (3) years

USW Welcomes Restoration of Legal Status to Mexican Labor Leader

(Pittsburgh) — The United Steelworkers (USW) today lauded the decision of the Mexican Supreme Court to restore legal recognition to Napoleon Gomez, General Secretary of the National Union of Mine, Metal and Steelworkers (Los Mineros).

The Court’s Second Chamber ruled 3-1 that the Mexican Labor Secretary acted illegally when he withdrew legal recognition from the union leader in 2008.

“This is a major victory for Los Mineros and all Mexican workers,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.

Continue reading USW Welcomes Restoration of Legal Status to Mexican Labor Leader

USW member killed at Evraz in Peublo

Steelworker dies at Evraz plant

A 58-year-old steelworker died Tuesday in an industrial accident at the Evraz Pueblo plant.

The victim was identified as Raymond Duran.

Pueblo County Coroner James Kramer said Duran died before reaching St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center.

“I was told he was involved in an accident involving a forklift,” Kramer said.

Melodie Ruse, spokeswoman for the plant, said the mill was shut down and local authorities and plant officials were investigating the worker’s death.

Ruse said: “We are very saddened to report that one of our employees was fatally injured (Tuesday) when he was struck by a piece of mobile equipment at our Pueblo Rod & Bar facility. Our thoughts and prayers are with our employee, his family members and loved ones.”

Pueblo County Undersheriff JR Hall said that the accident occurred at 11:46 a.m.

“It was an industrial accident. We have no evidence to indicate foul play,” Hall said.

United Steelworkers Local 2102 declined to comment about Duran and his death.

By NICK BONHAM – The Peublo Chieftain

Unions Offers Condolences, Assistance to Prince George Workers and Families

BURNABY, B.C. – The United Steelworkers (USW) union extends its deepest condolences to the families of workers killed and injured at the Lakeland Sawmill in Prince George, B.C.

The USW, which represents the sawmill workers, also is urging provincial authorities to make public information it hopes could prevent further tragedies at B.C. sawmills.

“On behalf of all USW members, I wish to express our heartfelt sympathy to the workers and their families trying to cope with this terrible tragedy,” said Stephen Hunt, United Steelworkers Director for Western Canada. Continue reading Unions Offers Condolences, Assistance to Prince George Workers and Families

Trade and Tech Rate and Retention Survey (Aon Hewitt)

The survey that Aon Hewitt will be conducting for the wage rate and retention was finalized today and will be going out to the target companies next week. Aon Hewitt is expecting to have the survey complete by June 30. If there is  good co-operation and a fairly quick response from target companies then the survey results may be available earlier.

Any increase will be retro active to ratification date (December 9, 2011)

Bill C-13 and changes to Employer provided benefits

A message forwarded from the Company today by email, probably from Standard life:

Effective January 1, 2012, pursuant to Federal Budget Bill C-13, all employees who receive short and long-term disability benefits, under our ASO plans, are required to have deducted CPP and EI premiums from their paid benefit.  This new requirement caused several questions and concerns by all employers and delayed the implementation.

However, starting immediately, the required deductions will be reflected on your disability benefit. For employees who have been receiving a disability benefit prior to today’s date, there may be additional CPP / EI premiums required to be deducted.  In this event, we will ensure to pro-rate the deduction amount over the remaining year, if possible.

Follow this link for more information  http://bhhbenefits.com/2012/02/06/new-cpp-requirements-for-employer-paid-disability-benefits-2/

EVRAZ REGINA STEEL FINED $60,000 FOR SAFETY VIOLATION

Evraz Regina Steel has pleaded guilty to one count under The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) and was fined $60,000. The fine is the largest for an OHS violation in the 2011-12 year in Saskatchewan.

The company was charged after a January 20, 2009, incident at its Regina plant in which a worker was seriously injured when he became entangled in the motor drive shaft of a crane hoist.

Evraz pleaded guilty to failure to ensure there was an effective safeguard in place to prevent workers from contacting a dangerous moving part of a machine.

Another charge against the company was stayed in Regina Provincial Court.

OHS conducts about 4,500 worksite inspections annually to ensure standards are balanced, known and enforced.

For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin

Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Regina

Phone: 306-787-0926

* This article is posted at http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=6fc3525e-e1cd-4a77-88ed-65c1ef44fe95

Passing of Wylie Craig

CRAIG, Kenneth “Wylie” April 30, 1970 – March 28, 2012 With much sadness the family of Wylie Craig advise all who knew the “friendly giant” of his passing this week in Mexico. He was attending the wedding of close friends Adam and Cari Mussel, friends since Cari and Wylie were born one day apart in Richmond, BC. Wylie is survived by his mom Harolyn (Wayne) Long, brother Denton, his precious children, the loves of his life, Alexandra and Liam, and his grandma Helen Barefoot (94 years old). He will also be truly missed by his mass of amazing friends and brothers at USW Local 7226 Tenaris Steel. At Wylie’s request there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to CJAY 92 Kids Fund. A celebration of his life is to be announced.

Wylie Craig was President of the Tenaris local in Calgary.

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/calgaryherald/guestbook.aspx?n=wylie-craig&pid=156783372&cid=full

Notice of Election and Eligibility

There will be an election April 18 2012 to be held at the Change Room buiding (Hilton). Polling times are yet to be determined.

President– Ian Gretchen wins by acclamation

Vice President– There will be an election between Roger Flahr and Corey Liebrecht

Recording Secretary– Court Klein wins by acclamation

Financial Secretary– Dave McAlpin wins by acclamation subject to a final review of eligibility of Scott Trenaman

Treasurer– There will be an election between Doug Massier and Marcus Zeigler

Guide– Tory Sand wins by acclamation

Outside Guard– Vacant

Inside Guard– Jim Cassano wins by acclamation

Trustees– Of the three positions two are filled by Carolyne Kryba and Chis Massier by acclamation  leaving one vacant

Chief Steward Steel– John Forster wins by acclamation

Chief Steward Pipe– There will be an election between Mike Day and Tony Major subject to a final review of eligibility of both nominees.

Chief Steward O&T– Paul Euteneier wins by acclamation

Bargaining Committee (O&T)- Paul Euteneier wins by acclamation subject to a final review of eligibility of Kim Roberts

Bargaining Committee (P&M)- There will be an election between Chris Massier, Mike W. Smith and Kevin Snell subject to a final review of eligibility of all three nominees.

The final review will completed by Friday March 30. All nominees that have additional information regarding their eligibility please contact Tory Sand

United Steel Workers District 3 Summer School

Summer school this year will be held in Kimberly BC the week of June 17-22. Classes available are:

  • Advanced Grievance Handling
  • Collective Bargaining- Bargaining to win
  • Facing Management
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Leadership for Action
  • Communication

For more information please contact one of the Executive Committee Members, a Chief Shop Steward or a Health and Safety Representative